Toppled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday in a New York federal court. His appearance came days after his dramatic capture under US President Donald Trump.

US authorities presented Maduro before US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan. This marked his first court appearance since he was brought to the United States.

Maduro is 63 years old.

Serious Criminal Charges Filed

US prosecutors have charged Maduro with four serious criminal offences. These include narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.

At the start of the hearing, the judge read out the charges against Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The court session lasted about 30 minutes. The judge scheduled the next hearing for March 17.

“I Am Innocent. I Am Not Guilty”

During the short hearing, Maduro denied all accusations. He spoke through a court-appointed interpreter. According to Reuters, he told the judge, “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” The judge stopped him from continuing.

Maduro also spoke about how he was arrested. He told the court, “I'm here kidnapped since January 3, Saturday,” He added more details about his capture. According to AFP, he said, “I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela,”

Defence Focuses on Arrest Legality

So far, Maduro’s statements suggest a key defence strategy. He is expected to argue that US authorities arrested him illegally on foreign soil.

His lawyer has already taken a strong position. The lawyer described the operation as a “military abduction” and said it violated international law.

Cilia Flores Also Denies Charges

Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in court with him. She also pleaded not guilty. When the judge asked her to identify herself, she stated her name and told the court:

“I am First Lady of Venezuela,” She then said she was “completely innocent,” Bloomberg reported.

According to Reuters, Judge Hellerstein informed both Maduro and Flores that they had the right to notify the Venezuelan consulate about their arrests.

Heavy Security During Court Transfer

Earlier on Monday, authorities moved Maduro and Flores from a Brooklyn detention centre under tight security.

Officers zip-tied Maduro’s hands. Armed guards wearing tactical gear escorted him to a helicopter. The helicopter then flew him to the Manhattan courthouse.

The hearing began at 12:02 pm local time.

Maduro wore orange and beige prison clothes. He listened to the proceedings through headphones as the judge explained the charges. When asked to confirm his identity, Maduro replied in Spanish.

Origins of the US Case Against Maduro

US federal prosecutors first indicted Maduro in 2020. The case grew out of a long investigation into drug trafficking. The probe involved current and former Venezuelan officials and Colombian guerrilla groups.

A revised indictment became public on Saturday. It added new details to the case. It also named additional co-defendants, including Cilia Flores.

US Claims Maduro Ran Drug Network

Washington has refused to recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader since his 2018 re-election. US officials say that election involved widespread irregularities.

US prosecutors allege that Maduro led a large cocaine-trafficking network. They claim it worked with Mexico’s Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, Colombia’s FARC rebels, and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.

Maduro has always rejected these allegations. He has previously said the charges are an excuse. According to him, the United States wants to control Venezuela’s oil wealth.